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According to a recent study by the American Dental Association, one in five Americans, about 23%, is avoiding dental treatment in the next twelve months. Almost half of them say that the cost is the number one reason why.
Putting off dental treatment is not good for your health or wallet. Avoiding treatment can lead to infection, tooth loss and more dental work which can end up costing more money.
At Dr. Nichols office the fees are not only fair and competitive; we also offer a payment plan through Care Credit to help patients comfortably manage their dental costs. With Care Credit’s no Interest if paid in full payment options offered, we can help you keep your mouth healthy!

Halloween is quickly approaching. Which means your child will be bringing home a bag full of candy! Although Halloween is fun for children it can be of concern to parents for both safety and health reasons. With so much candy being handed out during this time you need to be aware of the ones that can cause the most harm to your child’s teeth. The American Dental Association is reporting citrus flavored and sour candies to be among the worst for your teeth. These candies are not only sticky and filled with sugar, but they contain acid that can weaken and damage the outer shell of your tooth making it more likely to get a cavity. Other candies to avoid are caramels, taffies, gummies, and any chewy candies because these are sticky and adhere to your teeth for long periods of time also increasing the risk of tooth decay! The good news is your child can enjoy a sweet treat without too much concern, the top candy on the list is chocolate! Chocolate unlike the other candies washes off the teeth quickly. Keep your teeth healthy Don’t forget to brush your teeth after eating your Halloween candy. Go ahead get dressed and enjoy Halloween!

It is very important that woman trying to get pregnant keep there gums healthy! A new study has revealed woman with periodontal disease take three times longer to get pregnant than woman without and, woman with symptoms of periodontitis-disease of the gum and bone took four times longer to get pregnant. According to research it is believed the infection in the gums and jawbone lead to inflammation in the body. This inflammation may prevent ovulation or may even stop the embryo from implanting. Woman if you are planning on expanding your family, make an appointment for a teeth cleaning and check-up! Healthy gums are imperative for a healthy body!

Did you know drinking bottled water can affect your teeth and health? If you are drinking a lot of bottled water, and it’s acidic, it could be bringing harm to your teeth! The acidity erodes tooth enamel causing tooth decay. The best beverages to drink for good oral health should contain fluoride. Studies have shown drinking beverages with fluoride reduces tooth decay both in children and adults by up to 25 percent. If you are only drinking bottled water and not public water you may not be getting the fluoride needed to keep your teeth healthy!

Did you know the more you smile the younger you look? Studies have shown people who smile are perceived as more youthful and attractive thus making it harder to guess their age! People with worn teeth, receding gums or discolored teeth tend to look older. As we age our teeth change causing us to smile less. Have you noticed you are not smiling as much? Maybe you have become self-conscience or lost your confidence. Have noticed yourself not socializing much due to the way your smile looks? Your smile can affect your social and professional life! It does not have to be that way for you! Cosmetic Dentistry can help you achieve that beautiful smile you desire in turn reversing any age revealing dental issues. Come see what we can do for you, schedule your appointment today with Dr. Nichols!

Drinking too many drinks that are acidic can be damaging to your teeth. With so many drink choices it can be hard to determine which ones are good for you. You may be saying, “I’m ok I drink flavored water”. The truth is flavored water can be just as harmful as drinking soda or juices. To determine the acidity, we need to look at the pH, the lower the pH, the more acidic, and the likelier to cause harm and tooth erosion. The American Dental Association recommends minimizing the amount of these drinks we consume, instead the best drink would be plain water. When that thirst kicks in, think healthy teeth and reach for some refreshing water!

Are you an ice cube chewer? If so we encourage you to quit this bad habit! You may think there is no harm in this but because ice is a crystal as is your tooth enamel, when they rub against each other one is going to break. Yes, most of the time it will be the ice, but sometimes it will be your tooth or a filling that will break. To help you break this habit we suggest you drink your beverages with no ice as well as use a straw.

Stop go get those scissors! Don’t open that bag up with your teeth! Your teeth were made for eating, not to be used as a pair of scissors or as an extra set of hands when your hands are full. Using your teeth as tools puts you at greater risk for cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or the possibility of accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t. So do your teeth a favor and ask for help before using them as tools.